Garlic -- along with a cross and a wooden stake -- is the classic cure for the curse of the vampire. But without the stake and the cross, garlic may be able to fend off real-life threats as well.

Recent studies by John Milner, professor and head of the nutrition department, show that garlic can help prevent breast cancer in laboratory rats.

Milner found that the water-soluble compounds in garlic can help prevent certain carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents, from binding to breast cells. The binding of carcinogens to healthy cells is the first step in the development of cancer.

"For the most part we don't know what causes cancer," said Milner, adding that garlic inhibits the binding of a carcinogen that is similar to the pollutants found in cigarette smoke and automobile exhaust. "We're assuming those compounds are similar to those found in humans."

Rates of breast cancer are typically lower in countries like Italy, whose populations tend to eat food with more garlic, Milner said. Although there are no "magical bullets" to cancel cancer risk, it helps to eat a well-rounded diet, he said, adding "I don't think one should eliminate any component from one's diet."

Melisa Weisgarber (senior-political science) said she already eats garlic in a lot of her food.

"I'm from an Italian background, so we're kind of big on garlic," she said.

Yu-Yan Yeh, associate professor of nutrition, has also completed a study that further proves garlic's usefulness. His study has shown that the herb can reduce blood cholesterol levels in animals by up to 15 percent and in humans by up to 5 percent.

"It is a very potent compound to reduce cholesterol synthesis," he said.

Milner said garlic does not even have to be consumed in its notoriously odorous natural form. It can be taken as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules.

Leena Scholten, owner of The Granary, 2766 W. College Ave., said many people buy garlic in capsule or tablet form to avoid the odor, but that it has been known as a general health supplement for years.

"It's said to be a purifier of the system," she said.

Roeshur Johnson (junior-division of undergraduate studies) said he doesn't eat much garlic now, but would start "if it's good for me."